Peak District or.....?

[user1471464218]

We are getting the overnight ferry Belfast to Birkenhead tonight Tues and staying a night somewhere in and around Manchester. Then I want to go to somewhere with sunny weather but I don't know where. I would drive up to 2.5 hrs, could push it but ideally not. Originally thought Alton towers and peak District area, black country museum.....

Kids are 13, 12, 9. Quite like roller coasters but don't like high ropes. We could bring our paddle board. Ok at walking. Like museums too.

We need to travel from Manchester area then we have the rest of that day plus Fri sat and we need to head back for the sun night boat.

Open to most ideas.......

North Wales/Anglesey? Great beaches and the weather is lovely this week. No roller coasters but plenty of walks and paddle boarding spots.

North Wales, there is a big lake with watersport in Bala or several coastal towns with walks and beaches like Barmouth or Harlech

We’re in the middle of a heatwave and it’s getting even hotter towards the end of this week, so I’d aim for somewhere you can spend a lot of time in and around water! Definitely wouldn’t want to be queuing for rides at Alton Towers in 30 degree heat (forecast for Saturday).
You could head to the beach. From Manchester, my preferred options are Formby and Llandudno. The latter probably has more to offer teens and tweens and more places nearby to stay. There’s also Blackpool which would be right up their street if they love roller coasters!
Another option would be Rother Valley Country Park. There’s loads to do there (you could easily fill a couple of days) including the aqua park www.sheffieldcablewaterski.com/aqua-park
You could go up to the Lake District and base yourself somewhere near Windermere, Ullswater or Derwentwater if there’s any availability left. They’re all good wild swimming/paddle boarding lakes.

I thought the weather wasn't due to be that hot in North Wales?

Good point about water though. We live at the coast so have beautiful beaches all year round and don't seem them out on holidays in general. But maybe we should this time.

If weather looking good (ie 27 degree sunny) then Lakes or Wales would be good.......

where ever you can get accommodation at this short notice!!